MX2012000043A - High fat feed particles. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes extruded livestock feed particles comprising a high level of fat and methods of making these animal feed particles. The particles are palatable and digestible by the livestock animals and lead to an enhanced energy intake by the animals. The particles are also flowable. The method includes the use of a vacuum coater to incorporate the fat into extruded animal feed particles. The present invention also includes methods of feeding dairy cows.

Description

FEED PARTICLES OF HIGH GREASE CONTENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present application is based on, and claims, the benefit of the provisional patent application of E.U.A. Serial No. 61 / 219,905, filed on June 24, 2009, and the provisional patent application of E.U.A. Serial No. 61 / 220,250, filed on June 25, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Fat is a desirable component of most animal diets, and the technique is replete with methods for introducing it into the diets of various types of livestock. In addition to serving as a source of energy, fat can have an impact on the quality and quantity of milk production in dairy animals and the production of meat from animals produced for slaughter, for example, various ruminants, pigs and poultry.

The feed particles are generally a convenient form for use in supplementing the feed converted to pellets for livestock with, for example, additional fat, and can be produced using extrusion methods. In extrusion, the desired ingredients that are to be incorporated in the feed may be mixed, cooked, shear divided, gelatinized, formed and cut into particles. The particles can also be subjected to additional coating after extrusion. The grease, for example, can be applied after the forming process by spray cylinders or mixers. With respect to fat, there have been limits on the amount of grease that can be incorporated before extrusion and also after extrusion. The incorporation of high amounts of fat results in undesirable disintegration, while similar amounts applied on the surface of the pellet or piece generate a product that is soft, friable and has a greasy texture. The amount and type of fat can also affect the acceptability of the feed particles, and can lead to decreased ingestion. The amount and unsuitable types of fat can also affect digestibility, and can lead to sick cows. Dairy cows, for example, have been fed extruded particles with approximately 40% beef tallow. These feed particles will be referred to herein as "particles with 40% fat".

Other methods for increasing the fat content include a method of applying liquid containing fat to a granulated product by combining the liquid containing fat and the granulated product, and generating a negative pressure in the container, and then slowly releasing the negative pressure while the granulated product moistened with the liquid containing fat is mixed. This method results in the transfer of part of the liquid containing fat in the product; however, the absorbency of fat by the product was still relatively small.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention includes extruded feed for livestock comprising exempted particles with a fat content of at least about 45% by weight, wherein the feed particles are acceptable, digestible and provide the animal with livestock with ingestion of increased energy. The extruded particles can comprise two different fats, a low melting point fat, a high melting point fat, or a combination of both.

In another aspect, the present invention includes a method for producing feed particles for livestock, which comprises mixing and conditioning fat particle ingredients comprising nutritional components and additives to form a mixture. The method also includes extruding the mixture to form extruded particles, placing a low melting point grease in a machine for applying a vacuum coating under vacuum, wherein the machine for applying a vacuum coating contains extruded particles., so that the low melting point fat permeates the extruded particles when the vacuum is partially released. The method also includes adding a high melting point grease to the machine to apply a vacuum coating after the low melting fat saturates the extruded particles, and releasing the remaining vacuum to generate feed particles for the livestock that they comprise at least 45% fat by weight, where the particles are acceptable, digestible and provide increased energy intake for livestock.

In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of feeding dairy cows, comprising feeding extruded feed particles, wherein the particles comprise at least about 45% fat by weight, and wherein the particles are acceptable and digestible and provide livestock with increased energy intake.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view of an arrangement for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a graph of the digestible energy of particles produced according to different protocols.

Figure 3 is a graph of the metabolizable energy of particles produced according to different protocols.

Figure 4 is a graph of the ingestion of dry matter and FCM of the particles produced according to different protocols.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE MODALITIES The present disclosure includes exempted feed particles, in particular feed particles for livestock, and methods for producing feed particles comprising a high level of fat. The feed particles described herein advantageously have a higher fat content than the feed particles of the prior art, while maintaining digestibility and acceptability of the fat. The feed particles thus lead to an increased energy intake by the cattle. In addition, the feed particles for livestock, even with high levels of fat, are dried advantageously on the outside, allowing fluidity of the particles.

The extruded feed particles of this description generally include a high fat content. The fat included in the particles may include more than one source of fat, and preferably includes a fat with a high melting point. In some preferred embodiments, a combination of at least two fats, one with a low melting point that is generally within the particles, and one with a higher melting point that is generally in the outer section of the particles is used. particles and / or the outside of the particles. The feed particles are preferably extruded livestock feed particles supplemented advantageously with fats as described herein, while maintaining acceptability and digestibility.

The present invention includes methods for producing feed particles for livestock animals, with a high fat content. These feed particles advantageously provide increased metabolizable energy, while maintaining digestibility and acceptability of the fat. The method includes mixing the ingredients of the particles to form a mixture, conditioning the mixture prior to extrusion, extruding the feed particles and placing the extruded particles in a machine to apply a vacuum coating to incorporate additional fat into the extruded particles. A low melting point grease is added in a machine to apply a vacuum coating, followed by the partial release of the vacuum to allow the low melting point grease to enter the particles. The low melting point fat is usually inside the particles. A high melting point grease can then be introduced into the machine to apply a vacuum coating, and the remaining vacuum is released. Part of the high melting point fat may enter the outer region of the particles but, more importantly, the high melting point fat is generally on the outside, and forms a coating on the outside of the particles that are Hardens at room temperature. The coated extruded particles formed in this way contain a high amount of fat. The combination of a low melting point grease inside and a high melting point grease in the outer and outer section, allows the feed particles to be loaded with high amounts of fat, while maintaining the integrity, digestibility and acceptability of the feed particles in addition to good fluidity.

The feed particles of the present invention can be provided as a daily food ration for a variety of livestock animals. Livestock animals may include domesticated animals such as beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, goats, deer, horses, and the like. The zoo animals can also be provided with the particles described herein. Livestock animals are generally provided with daily food rations that include particles converted to pellets and / or extruded The extruded feed particles of the present invention include fat, nutritional components and other additives. The nutritional components may include starch and protein components. Other additives may include, for example, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical formulations, and the like. During the formation of the particles, the additives can be added to the nutritional components, or they can be added to the fat component.

The feed particles of the present invention include a high amount of fat. The total fat content in the feed particles is at least about 45% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fat content in the feed particles is between about 50% by weight and about 55% by weight. A Fat content of the feed particles greater than about 55% by weight is also within the scope of this invention.

The feed particles of the present invention are advantageously desirable for animals, with a high amount of fat. In general, livestock animals eat approximately the same or greater amount of the high fat feed particles described herein, when compared to the 40% fat particles. The amount of ingestion of the feed is not adversely affected by the increased amount of fat in the particles or the type of fat, for example, the high melting fat incorporated in the feed particles. In embodiments with feed for dairy cattle, for example, the intake of dry matter in dairy cattle is maintained at least at about 22.68 kg per day, preferably at least about 24.95 kg per day, and more preferably at least to approximately 27.22 kg per day.

The feed particles of the present invention are also advantageously digestible. In general, if a particular fat is not digestible or the amount of fat is excessive, the animal's health deteriorates and can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea. The digestibility, as described herein, is the consumption of the feed particles, followed by degradation in, and absorption of, the gastrointestinal tract, without any disease effect such as diarrhea in the animals. In exemplary embodiments of dairy cows, the digestibility is preferably maintained or improved when the ingestion of fat by dairy cows from the feed particles is at least about 0.54 kg per day, and more preferably by at least approximately 0.68 kg per day.

The feed particles described herein advantageously have a higher fat density, while maintaining digestibility and acceptability, and in this way animals are provided with increased energy intake. In general, the ingestion of energy in an animal can be increased by increasing the amount of ingestion, increasing the energy content of the food, increasing the digestibility of the particles, or a combination of these parameters. Without being limited by any theory, the feed particles described herein can provide increased energy intake due to increased fat and, in this way, the energy content within the particles. This increased energy content in the particles in general does not negatively influence the digestibility or the acceptability of the particles, and in this way is provided to the animals with an increased energy content without harmful effects. However, it may also be the case that the increased energy intake may be due not only to the energy content of the particles, but also to a combination of the parameters set forth above. Regardless of the specific mechanisms by which it occurs, it is advantageous that the feed particles described herein provide increased energy intake for the animals.

The increased energy intake may be, for example, an increase of at least about 3% in the ingestion of metabolizable energy compared to the feed converted to pellets without any added fat particle. Preferably, the increase in the ingestion of metabolizable energy is at least about 4% compared to the feed converted to pellets without any added fat particle. These increases in percentage are based on a dry matter intake of 22.68 kg. The percentage increases may be greater, if the amount of dry matter intake is greater. All of these increases are within the scope of this invention.

The feed particles of the present invention can generally provide an animal with at least about 0.14 kg of fat per 0.45 kg of dry matter intake. In an example of modality, if the animal consumes approximately 22.68 kg of dry matter, then the animal can ingest approximately 0.68 kg per fat. However, if the animal had to ingest 27.22 kg of dry matter, then the ingestion of fat would increase to approximately 0.82 kg per day. Feed particles that provide more than 0.14 kg of fat per 0.45 kg of dry matter intake are also within the scope of the invention, and can thus provide greater fat intake per day.

The feed particles of the present invention include nutritional components. The nutritional components may include protein and starch components. In general, the components nutritional and additives constitute the remaining weight of the particle after taking into account the percentage by weight of the fat. For example, if the fat content is about 50% by weight, then the remaining 50% by weight includes the nutritional components and any additives. The nutritional components may be about 55% by weight or less of the particles. Preferably, the nutritional components include between about 50% by weight and about 45% by weight of the feed particles. A content of nutritional components of the feed particles of less than about 45% by weight is also within the scope of this invention.

The particles generally comprise a substantial amount of starch. Examples of starches include corn starch, wheat, barley, oats, sorghum, tapioca, isolated moist or dried ground starch, their ground components, and a combination of any two or more of these. The amount of starch in the particles may vary, and is generally at least about 20% by weight of the particles. In some preferred embodiments, the amount of starch is between about 20% by weight and about 30% by weight. A starch content of more than 30% by weight in the particles is also within the scope of this invention.

The particles may also include a protein component. A wide assortment of protein sources can be included in the particles, and preferably includes soybean meal, cottonseed meal and corn gluten meal. Other proteinaceous sources include other oilseed flours such as palm flour; animal by-product flours, such as meat meal, poultry meal, blood meal, feather meal and fish meal; by-product flours of plants such as wheat quality products, soy husks and corn by-products; and microbial protein such as yeast yeast and beer yeast. The amount of protein in the particles can vary. Preferably, the protein content in the particles is between about 1% by weight and about 30% by weight. More preferably, the protein content in the particles is about 10% by weight.

As described herein, the feed particles include a high amount of fat. The fat that is included can be one or more types of fat. Fat, for example, may include a combination of low melting point fat and a high melting point fat. The feed particles described herein contain, for example, a low melting point fat that is generally inside the particles, and a high melting point fat that is generally on the outside and / or outer sections of the particles. This results in particles hardening at room temperature and, thus, have a dry non-tacky exterior with improved fluidity, which is extremely advantageous for handling. The combination of an interior with low melting fat and an exterior with high melting point grease, allows the feed particles to be loaded with high amounts of fat, while maintaining the integrity and texture of the feed particles.

A variety of fats are suitable as low melting greases and include, for example, tallow of beef, soybean oil or other vegetable oils and fish oil. The low melting fat can be any grease that melts below the temperature at which the product will be exposed during shipment. The low melting point fat used may differ, depending on the time of year the particles are shipped, or the shipping method. In some preferred embodiments, tallow is used as the low melting point fat.

The high melting point fat may be animal fat, vegetable fat, fractionated fat and / or hydrogenated fat. Suitable high melting point fats include fats containing palmitic acid, stearic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, cocoa butter, and any hydrogenated fat or oil. Waxes may also be used, but they are generally not desirable due to their low digestibility. Combinations of two or more types of fat can also be used, if the combined melting point of fats is on the right scale.

In some preferred embodiments, palm stearin is used as the high melting point fat. Palm stearin may have varying amounts of palmitic acid content. In general, as the amount of palmitic acid in palm stearin increases, the melting point of palm stearin increases. In this way, palm stearin can be selected with different palmitic acids, depending on the specific melting point desired for the high melting point fat. The high melting point fats are preferably palm oil distillates, typically referred to as palm stearin, with a varying amount of palmitic acid content. In one embodiment example, the palmitic acid content in palm stearin is about 65%. Palm stearin with other percentages of palmitic acid is also within the scope of the invention.

The melting point scale of the high melting point fat may vary, and may be selected based on the season at which the feed particles will be used, stored and / or transported. In general, the melting point scale of high melting point fat is higher than that of low melting point fat. In the summer, for example, the melting point scale of the high melting point fat may be between about 48.89 ° C and about 54.44X. Alternatively, if the product will be used, stored and transported in the winter, the melting point scale of the high melting point fat may be lower. The low melting point grease can be between approximately 15.56 ° C and 46.1 ° C.

The melting point scale of the high melting point fat is generally above 4.44 ° C. Preferably, the melting point scale is above 37.78 ° C, and more preferably above 43.33 ° C in the summer. For the feed to be used in winter, the melting point scales can be between about 4.44X and about 37.78 ° C. Feed particles with high melting point fat that have a melting point above 37.78 ° C can also be used in the winter, and fats having a melting point below 37.78X can be used in the summer, and are within the scope of this invention.

The ratio of low melting point fat to high melting point fat may vary. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of low melting point fat to high melting point fat is about 50:50. In other preferred embodiments, the ratio of low melting point fat to high melting point fat is about 90: 0. Other low melting fat to high melting fat relationships are also within the range. scope of this invention. Feed particles containing only low melting point fat and only high melting point fat are also within the scope of the invention.

Additives other than the nutritional components and fat, may also be present in the particles. Additives that may be present include flavorings such as amino acids, molasses, dye and coloring ingredients, vitamins and minerals, nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical formulations, and various processing aids such as talc and calcium carbonate. These additives can be added in the nutritional components or in the fat components. In preferred embodiments, ingredients such as talc and calcium carbonate are included.

The feed particles also have desirable flow characteristics. Multiple flow tests are available and can be used to determine the fluidity of the feed particles. Feed particles are placed in carts that are 91.44 cm by 91.44 cm by 91.44 cm with hopper inclined at 45 ° and an opening of 77.4195 cm2. The carts are stored at temperature controlled sites, and then the number of hammer blows and the length of time to remove the product from the cart are recorded. The hammering number needed to remove the product from the cart may vary, and is preferably less than about 5 hammers. In one embodiment example, a hammer blow is sufficient to remove all the feed particles from the cart.

The present invention includes methods for forming extruded feed particles with a high fat content. Feed particles can be formed by combining one or more components in a mixture, and then extruding the mixture. The mixture may include, for example, starch, protein and a certain amount of fat. The fat may be endogenous fat within the ingredients used in the mixture, or a certain amount of fat may be added to the mixture. The mixture generally comprises a substantial amount of starch. Examples of starches are described above. The amount of starch in the mixture is generally between about 10% by weight and about 50% by weight. More preferably, the amount of starch in the mixture is between about 20% by weight and about 35% by weight. The feed particles obtained using this method maintain acceptability and digestibility as described above, while providing increased energy intake for the animals.

The mixture may also include a protein component. A wide assortment of protein sources can be included as described above. The amount of protein in the mixture may vary. In general, the amount of protein in the mixture is about 60 weight percent or less. Preferably, the amount of protein in the mixture is between 10 weight percent and about 60 weight percent. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of protein in the mixture is about 20 percent.

Particle size is an important physical characteristic of the dry components used to produce the mixture. The particle size in the mixture containing the starch and / or the protein is generally very fine. In general, at least about 30%, preferably at least about 45%, and more preferably at least about 60% of the starch and protein particles, can pass through a No. 100 Tyler mesh screen.

The mixture may also include added fat. The term "added fat" includes liquid and soluble materials comprising monoglycerides, diglycerides and edible triglycerides of fatty acids and free fatty acids which are not inherently present in the source of starch, protein source or any other non-fat source present in mix. The added fat includes animal fat, eg, whitish select tallow, beef tallow, white fat of choice, yellow fat, etc., vegetable oil, eg, soybean oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil , sunflower oil, etc .; and combinations of any of these. The amount of added fat in the mixture is generally less than about 10% by weight, preferably less than about 5% by weight, and more preferably less than about 3% by weight.

Different ingredients of the starch, the protein and the added fat may also be present in the mixture, and these additives were described above. In preferred embodiments, ingredients such as talc, calcium carbonate and fat emulsifiers are included, and are sufficiently fine to pass substantially through a 325 mesh screen.

The particles are formed through the use of conventional extrusion devices, such as the one described in the US patent. No. 3,496,858. Figure 1 illustrates an example of embodiment of an arrangement carrying out the process for the present invention. Mixture components are added through the hopper or drawer 10 to the conditioner 12. As is known in the art, the mixture is prepared in the conditioner 12 for subsequent treatment in the extruder 14. The mixture is extruded, and the extruded particles are extruded. they are placed in the desiccator 18. The extruded product is dried and preferably not cooled. The dried product is added to the mixer 22. The control device 26 starts the mixer 22. After a pre-set time, the control device 26 evacuates the mixer using a vacuum pump 30 at a negative pressure in the mixer provided during the operation. the mixing procedure. The control device 26 can be programmed to add the desired amount of low melting point fat, which is pumped into the mixer 22 by a metering pump 24 of the tube 27 connected to the grease reservoir 28 containing the fat low melting point. After a preset time, the control device 26 selects the pressure relief valve 32 that opens into the atmosphere. The negative pressure is partially released by means of the pressure relief valve 32 which allows a certain amount of atmospheric air to return in the mixer 22. The incoming air transfers the cavity of the low melting point fat into the pores of the particles that saturate the inner part of the particle with low melting point fat. The control device 26 can then be programmed to change to a high melting point grease, which is now pumped into the mixer 22 by the dosing pump 24a. High melting point grease is added by the dosing pump 24a of the tube 27a which is connected to the grease reservoir 28a. After a preset time, the control device 26 selects the pressure relief valve 32 to release the remaining negative pressure. The incoming atmospheric air can force the high melting point grease into the particles, but close to the outer section or the surface of the particles, since the core of the particles contains the low melting point grease. In addition, part of the high melting point grease forms a coating around the particles. After the grease application procedure, the particles are transferred from the mixer 22 in a cooler 36 and in a storage container 40.

In general, the starch and other dry ingredients, if any, such as protein, talc and calcium carbonate, are first mixed in a dry mixer to form a relatively homogeneous mixture, and this mixture is then fed to the extruder, typically through of the conditioner. If desired, fat is added into the conditioner, and once the mixture of fat and non-fat ingredients is a relatively homogeneous free-flowing mass, it is supplied into the barrel of the extruder where it can be mixed with additional fat, if required. The extruder conditioner usually operates at a temperature of at least about 65.56 ° C, and this temperature in combination with the pressure caused by the action of the rotating worm in the mixture and the friction between the flowing mixture and the component parts of the extruder , results in a pressure within the extruder typically greater than 1,406 kg / cm 2 g, preferably greater than 2,109 kg / cm 2 g. The mixture is mechanically worked by the rotary worm until it finally flows in a generally fluid manner.

Steam is also added to the extruder (in the conditioner and barrel) to increase the temperature of the material, typically at or greater than about 100X, and / or to raise the moisture content of the mixture. The amount of heat and steam that is applied to the mixture is controlled by known valve techniques, in a manner to obtain temperatures that are high enough to cause the desired chemical and physical reactions within the mixture. The amount of heat and steam that is actually added to a given mixture of added fat and non-fat ingredients will vary with the nature and ratio of the components and the other operating parameters of the extruder, eg, pressure, residence time of the mixture, etc.

After the mixture with the added fat in the conditioner and any optional ingredient has been sufficiently mixed and cooked, it is forced from the extruder by the rotary worm through a restricted orifice. Since the mixture emerges from an environment of high temperature and pressure in an environment of lower temperature and pressure, the mixture expands after it exits the extruder. This results in a cooling of the mixture and a partial loss of its water content. The mixture leaves the extruder in an extended ribbon which is cut into particles by conventional cutting means, typically as it exits the extruder.

The extruded product generally has many air pockets in the particles, so that additional grease can be incorporated. In Generally, the extruded product has an overall density of less than about 51.4888 kg / hl. Preferably, the extruded product has an overall density of less than about 38.6166 kg / hl, and more preferably less than about 25.7444 kg / hl. The particle generally "hardens" as it exits the extruder due to starch.

The extruded product is generally desiccated but not significantly cooled. The extruded product is preferably dried to contain approximately less than 10% by weight of moisture, and more preferably dried to contain approximately less than 5% by weight of moisture. The temperature of the extruded product is preferably maintained above 60 ° C, and more preferably above 71.1 ° C. This temperature may vary, depending on the grease used in the coating step.

The dried extruded hot product can be put in a machine to apply a vacuum coating. The coating of extruded products maintained at other temperatures is also within the scope of the invention. Machines for applying a vacuum coating are known in the art, and conventional vacuum coating machines are used to coat feed particles with a desired coating. Vacuum is applied to the chamber of the machine to apply a vacuum coating that contains the extruded particles. The extracted vacuum is generally at least about 20 mm Hg, and preferably at least about 25 mm Hg.

A low melting point grease is usually introduced into the machine to apply a vacuum coating. In some embodiments, the low melting point fat is added while a vacuum is being extracted. In alternative embodiments, the extruded particles and the low melting point grease are placed in the machine to apply a vacuum coating prior to the extraction of a vacuum. The pressure in the vacuum can be partially released. Preferably, the vacuum is released slowly. Preferably, the vacuum is released to between about 10 mm Hg and about 15 mm Hg less than the initial vacuum being extracted. In one embodiment example, the vacuum is released at about 15 mm Hg from about 27 mm Hg in about 20 seconds. The partial release of the vacuum can cause the low-melting fat to penetrate (permeate) the extruded particles, so that the low melting point saturates the extruded particle with low-melting fat. A high melting point grease is generally introduced into the machine to apply a vacuum coating after partial release of the vacuum. Any suitable high melting point grease can be used.

After the addition of the high melting point grease in the machine to apply a vacuum coating, the remaining vacuum is slowly released. In an example mode, the vacuum is released for approximately 20 seconds. After the release of the vacuum, the The product is maintained, preferably, for a short time, for example, approximately 5 minutes. The product can then be cooled.

The present invention also includes a method of feeding dairy cows. The method may include supplying the extruded particles described herein to dairy cows. Extruded particles with high amounts of fat maintain acceptability and digestibility, while providing dairy cows with increased energy intake. Dairy cows fed with the extruded particles may have desirable characteristics, for example, increased metabolizable energy.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 Influence of two levels of glycerol, two levels of palm stearin, and their combination in diets with 24% starch on total digestibility in the tract, energy balance and performance of milk components in post-peak lactating cows This study was designed to titrate the effects of palm stearin and glycerol on energy kinetics and production of milk components in lactating cattle. Both ingredients were tested at 1 or 2 percent dry matter intake (DMI) along with a treatment containing a combination of 1% of each ingredient. The amount of glycerol and palm stearin in each of the rations is shown in table 1. The estimated metabolizable energy content (ESE) of each diet was calculated from the weighted average in the ME value formula. Tabular of each ingredient in the formula.

TABLE 1 Energy Metabolizable Stearin,% Glycerol, Rations 1 2 3 4 5 6 estimated, DMI% DMI mcal / kg DM At 1.30 X B 1.33 1 X C 1.36 2 X D 1.30 1 X E 1.31 2 X F 1.33 1 1 X Materials and methods: Twenty-four Holstein cows were subjected to 6 treatments in 2 feeding periods in the total collection area of the Large Animal Metabolism Unit (LAMU) at the Longview Animal Nutrition Center, Gray Summit, MO. The cows were weighed. There were 4 cows per treatment, with a minimum of 3 multiparous animals per treatment, fed during two periods (with 2 cows / treatment / period). The cows were between 100 and 250 days old at milking (DIM) at the beginning of the study. The periods lasted 3 weeks. Some of the animals of the first period were used in the second period, if the availability of cows was short, as long as they were not put back into the same treatment.

The animals were allowed to adjust to the diets for a minimum of two weeks, once full ingestion of the treatment feed was achieved. During this adjustment phase, feed offers and rejections were measured daily, but no samples were collected. After concluding the adjustment period, there was a total collection of 5 days of urine and feces.

The compositions for each of the rations in the treatments are shown in table 2. The numbers indicate the percentage in the ration.

TABLE 2 Ration Ration Ration Ration Ration Ration A B C D E F Particles with 3. 2031 3.2096 3.2162 3.2101 40% fat 3.2172 3.2167 Glicerol 1.6051 3.2172 1.6083 Stearin from 1. 6210 3.2487 1.6246 palm Premix of 96. 4993 94.1773 92.543 94.8873 93.268 93.2528 grains Micronutrients 0.2976 0.9921 0.9921 0.2975 0.2977 0.2976 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 All the animals were fed with the assigned diets according to the proportions shown in table 3. The alfalfa hay was of a consistently homogeneous supply. The diets were offered three times a day. Silage of corn and alfalfa hay were supplied as a mixture to the LAMI). Mixed sub-samples of the forage mix were constructed during each collection period. Corn silage was produced in low-irrigated lowlands near Labadie, O. They were harvested until an average FTA of 1,905 cm, and were not processed.

TABLE 3 Identification of the treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 DM of the die _t iad Ration A 55 Ration B 55 Ration C 55 D 55 serving Ration E 55 F 55 serving Corn silage, N48-V8 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 Lucerne hay 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 The animals had diets available to them on all occasions (offered 3 times a day), but the DMI was not allowed among all the animals to vary by more than 0.5% of body weight during the week of collection. Dry matter ingestions were set 3 days before and during the collection period. Excessive feed rejections (feed remains) were avoided to minimize the assortment. Feed mixing diagrams were made (based "as feed") after the dry matter measurements of all feed ingredients were made. The dry matter content of the forage mix was monitored daily during the collection period, and the mixing regimes were adjusted accordingly, if the DM of the mixture changed from that calculated initially.

The duration of the adjustment period was 2 weeks. Daily observations of the offer and daily rejections of the ingredients of the diet were recorded. No samples were collected.

The duration of the collection period was 5 days. Observations were recorded and samples collected. Recorded daily observations included the daily water consumption, the daily temperature of the site, the daily offering of the components of the diet, the daily rejection of the remaining diet, the daily milk production and the daily composition of the milk (from Monday to Friday).

Samples of the diets were collected, and a mixed material was obtained from the daily sub-samples of each ingredient of the diet (rations and forage mix) collected during each preceding day of the collection period. The dry matter content (DM) of each ingredient of the controlled diet in the LAMI) was measured and reported as a "DM of the LAMU". Mixed forage materials were roughly cut on an 8 mm sieve in the Fitz mill before subsampling.

Samples of the food remains were also collected. During the collection period, the food remains were recovered quantitatively each day before a day of collection, weighed, and sub-sampled a constant percentage. Subsamples of each animal were combined within each period. A representative sample of feces, milk and urine was collected at a constant daily rate for each animal for five days. A mixed material was built for five days for each animal. The faeces were dried, and a DM measurement was made and reported to Analytical Services. The urine and milk were sent to Analytical Services for freeze-drying.

Laboratory analysis: feed, faeces and urine were analyzed at a minimum per period. Wet samples were dried in a forced extraction oven set at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.

The DMI was lower with the diet containing 1% stearin, and higher for the diet containing 1% glycerol (P <.04, table 4). The synthesis of milk fat (kg / d) was decreased by 2% stearin (P <.07, table 4). Digestibility energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) densities in the diet (mcal / kg) were improved by increasing stearin levels in the diet (P <.04 and P <.02, respectively; 4). Fat digestibility was increased (P <.02) provided that stearin was added to the diet, indicating that the digestibility of fat from stearin was greater than that of the endogenous fat in the diet (Table 4) . The digestibility of the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was not diminished by the addition of stearin to the diet, but was decreased (P < 01) by the addition of 2% glycerol, or 1% glycerol in combination with the addition of 1% of stearin to the diet (table 4). The digestibility of the acid detergent fiber (ADF) was linearly decreased by the addition of stearin (P < .05) and glycerol (P < .01) (Table 4). 1% stearin or 1% glycerol can be used as an alternative energy source in the feed particles. However, 1% of stearin had a greater effect on the increase in energy density of the diet.

TABLE 4 Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 SE (1) (2) (3) Milk fat 1. 42 1.41 1.23 1.43 1.39 1.30 0.0685 .07 kg / d DM ingestion 27. 5bc 23.5a 25.4ab 30.1 ° 26 gabc 26.0ab 1.23 .04 kg / d Energy of digestibility 3.27ab 3.32bc 3.37c 3.22a 3.21a 3.32bc 0.0306 .01 .04 Mcal / kg DM ME (EE) * 77. 8ab 67.7a 74.5ab 84.0b 74.8ab 75.4ab 3.5 .12 .12 Mcal Digestibility of fat (AH) * 64.8ab 73.2C 71.4C 64.7a 64.0a 69.5bc 1.73 .01 .02% ingestion Digested NDF 52. 8b 51.3b 51.6b 51.3b 46.8a 46.1a 1.44 .02 .01% ingestion Digested ADF 55. 4 51.5a 50.0a 51.3ab 47.4a 46.9a 1.71 .04 .05 .01% digestion PR > F yes < .20 for (1) treatment; (2) treatments with stearin 1, 2, 3; (3) glycerol treatments 1, 4, 5.

Means in the same row not followed by a common letter differ (P <.05), using the LSD procedure.

* EE is extractable fat with ether, and AH is extractable fat hydrolyzed with acid.

The nutrient composition of each of the diets shows in table 5 as a percentage of the dry matter.

TABLE 5 Treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 Protein% of DMI 18.7 18.7 18.4 19.1 19.0 18.6 Fat% (EE) of the DMI 3.53 4.46 5.45 3.53 3.50 4.64 Fat% (AH) of the DMI 4.64 5.48 6.38 4.41 4.46 5.46 % of NDF of DMI 32.6 31.8 32.1 33.9 30.9 29.6 % ADF of the DMI 21.8 20.7 20.2 21.8 20.4 19.0% starch of the DMI 24.9 24.0 23.8 24.0 23.8 25 7 EXAMPLE 2 Influence of palm stearin with high or low palmitic acid content on total digestibility in the tract, energy balance, nitrogen balance and performance of milk components, in post-peak lactating cows that consume diets with a higher content of starch This study demonstrates the convenience of different palm stearins as fat alternatives of higher melting point. The results of the supply of 1% (0.23 kg / day) or 2% (0.45 kg / day) of palm stearin (example 1), showed that the addition of 1% of palm stearin in the diet increased the ME content of the diet, without adversely affecting the total digestibility of NDF in the tract. This study (example 2) was designed to improve the handling characteristics of the particles, capitalizing on the higher melting point of palm stearin to delay the leaching of tallow from the particles The palm stearin used in example 1 was not widely refined, and contained a relatively low level (65%) of acid palmitic A more refined palm stearin could improve Additionally, the capacity to manufacture feed particles with greater fat content. This study also evaluated the effects of acid level palmitic on digestibility and the value of subsequent energy.

Materials and methods: Table 6 shows the content of each of the rations of treatment used in this study, and table 7 shows the proportions of feeding in each of the treatments.

TABLE 6 Estearina Estearina ME Particle with 40% 1 2 3 4 5 6 of low of high Mcal / x of fat content content .454 kg% of DMI of C16: 0 of C16: 0 of DM (x .454 (x .454 kg) / day) kg) / day) A 0 0 1.30 2 X B 0.5 0 1 .33 2 X C 1.0 0 1.36 2 X D 0 0.5 1.33 2 X E 0 1.0 1 .36 2 X F 0 0 1 .36 7 X TABLE 7 Identification of 1 2 3 4 5 6 treatment Ration A 55 Ration B 55 Ration C 55 D 55 serving Ration E 55 F 55 serving Corn silage, N48- 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 V8 Alfalfa hay 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 22.5 The procedures were as described for the example The composition of the grain rations is shown in table 8.

TABLE 8 Ration Ration Ration Ration Ration Ration A B C D E F Particles with 3. 2031 3.2095 3.2160 3.2095 3.2160 11.5380 40% fat Stearin from high palm 1. 6048 3.2160 content of C16 Stearin from low palm 1. 6048 3.2160 content of C16 Premix of 95. 9040 94.2927 92.675 94.2927 92.675 88.1940 grains Micronutrients 0.8929 0.8930 0.8930 0.8930 0.8930 0.2680 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 The ingestions of DM between all the sebum treatment particles and the treatment particles containing various levels of palmitic acid of palm stearin, were not significantly different. While there was no significant difference between all treatments with tallow and the various levels of palmitic acid of palm stearin in the production or components of 3.5% FCM (milk corrected in fat), the highest level (0.45 kg) of the Stearin with higher palmitic acid content produced the highest numerical production of FCM (47.6 kg), milk fat (1.48 kg) and milk protein (1.34 kg). The digestibility of fat between the various levels of palmitic acid of palm stearin was slightly, but significantly higher (P <.06), in comparison with all the tallow treatment particles. The measured densities of the ME of the diet corresponded to the formulated levels.

The results of this study and example 1 show that in isocaloric diets, palm stearin is an acceptable alternative or supplement for beef tallow in feed particles without compromising the ingestion of DM, the production of components of the milk or the availability of energy. In addition, the level of palmitic acid in palm stearin does not appear to adversely affect the yield against sebum, allowing flexibility in use to improve the handling characteristics of the feed particles (leveraging differences in the melting point resulting from the levels of palmitic acid).

EXAMPLE 3 Influence of particles with 50% fat containing blends of tallow and palm stearin on total digestibility in the tract, energy balance, nitrogen balance and performance of milk components in lactating post-peak cows that consume diets of higher starch content The convenience of palm stearin or its refined derivatives have been shown as fat alternatives of higher melting point. The level of fat in the feed particles rose up to 50%. Palm stearin was used at levels not exceeding 0.34 kg / day, to increase the fat content and the subsequent energy level of the particles. This study also shows the improved handling characteristics of the feed particles, capitalizing on the higher melting point of palm stearin to delay the leaching of sebum from the feed particles, in addition to specific processing improvements. The analysis of the leaching of fat carried out in the LAMU has shown improvements in the management characteristics when 50% of the sebum is replaced with palm stearin.

In Example 1, there were tendencies for lower ingestion of DM when palm stearin was used instead of tallow. However, palm stearin was added as a liquid to the pelleted portion of the diet in that study. In this study, comparisons were made between the addition of tallow or a 50/50 mixture of tallow / palm stearin (to increase the melting point and reduce potential leaching during transit) in liquid form or as a particle (approximately 1.36 kg of particles / day), to observe differential effects of form on the ingestion of DM and the digestibility and capacity of transformation by metabolism. The particle form of rations D and E was an extruded particle with the highest levels of fat, but coated with the higher melting fat obtained as described in Example 4. For comparison, a negative control was included (only I think converted to pellets, no added fat particles) and a positive control (particles with 40% fat exempted). Table 9 shows the composition of each of the diets. The procedures for the treatment of the cows were as described in example 1. The mixing ratios of the components of the diet are shown in table 10, and the composition of ingredients of the mixtures of grains as a percentage by weight It is shown in table 1 1.

TABLE 9 Eslearina de low Sebo ME content of (x .454 Mcal / x .454 kg of Form 1 2 3 4 5 6 C16: 0 kg) / day) DM (approximate) (x .454 kg) / day) A 0 0 1.30 - X B 0 1.5 1.36 Liquid X C 0.75 0.75 1 .36 Liquid X 50% of D 0 1 .5 1 .36 X chunks 50% of E 0.75 0.75 1.36 X chunks Particle with F 0 1.20 1.34 40% of X fat TABLE 10 Identification of the treatment 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ration A 55 Ration B 55 Ration C 55 D 55 serving Ration E 55 F 55 serving Corn silage, N48-V8 22.5 22.5 22 5 22.5 22.5 22.5 Lucerne hay 22.5 22 5 22 5 22 5 22.5 22 5 TABLE 11 Ration Ration Ration Ration Ration Ration A B C D E F Beef tallow 4. 8191 2.4102 liquid Beef tallow 9. 6543 tro20 (50% fat) 50:50 of tallow: palm stearin 9.6543 piece (50% fat) Particles with 40% 9. 6577 fat Palm stearin 2.4102 Premix of grains 99.7000 94.1809 94.1795 90.0778 90.0778 89.4494 Micronutrients 0.3000 1.0000 1.0001 0.2679 0.2679 0.8929 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 The results of the nutrient digestibility are shown in table 12 and are illustrated graphically in figure 2 and figure 3. The ingestion of dry matter and the FCM are shown in figure 4. There were no significant effects by the treatment on the DMI or the production of milk components. There were no significant effects replacing half the tallow with palm stearin on the digestible energy content (DE) or metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet (treatments 2 and 4 against treatments 3 and 5). However, there was a significant improvement in the ED (P <.06) and ME (P < .04) for providing tallow or tallow + palm stearin in an extruded feed, compared to a pelleted feed (cf. treatment 1 with treatments 4 and 5). The measured ME values of the diet for all treatments, equaled the formulated values. There were no significant effects from the treatment on the digestibility of NDF or starch. Palm stearin can replace up to 0.34 kg of sebum compared to a diet containing 0.68 kg of tallow, without any loss in energy, components of the milk, DM intake or digestibility of the starch in the diet or NDF. Extrusion increases the energy content of a high-fat diet, compared to a diet converted to pellets containing an equal amount of fat.

TABLE 12 Treatment 1 2 3- 4 5 6 SE (1) (2) DM digested 69. 5 69.5 69.4 70.4 71.0 70.9 1.02 % ingestion Digestibility energy 3. 07 3.14 3.16 3.20 3.19 3.17 0.0507 .06 Mcal / kg DM ME (EE) 2. 66 2.72 2.75 2 79 2.79 2.76 0.0476 .04 Mcal / kg DM Fat digestibility (AH) 58.6 56.9 62.2 64.6 57.2 62.4 3 27 % ingestion Digested NDF 49. 4 53.2 50.6 51.4 52.1 52.7 1.74 % ingestion Digestibility of starch 96. 7 96.5 96.6 97.0 97.0 97.2 0.489 % ingestion PR > F if .20 for (1) form of stearin'sebo * 2) treatment 1 against treatments 4 + 5.

Means in the same row not followed by a common letter differ (P < .05) using the LSD procedure.

EXAMPLE 4 Process for producing the extruded particles of example 3 Feed particles were produced in a 2,721.55 kg lot with approximately 62 percent corn flour and millet and approximately 33 percent soybean meal. Corn, millet and soybeans were ground very fine so that 60% would pass through a 100 mesh screen. 0.5% talc and 1% calcium carbonate (passed through a 325 mesh screen) were added. in the batch mixer, and 3% fat was added as the extruder conditioner. The extruder was a 20.32 cm Anderson extruder equipped with a 150 hp motor. The extrusion was carried out under the following conditions: feed regime, 27.22 kg / min; water conditioner, 15%; temperature of the flour, 107.22 ° C; 175 amps; die holes 30-7 / 162.56 cm; blades of the blade, 16; final humidity, 3 to 4%. The product was extruded, so that the overall density of the extruded product was approximately 27.0316 kg / hl.

The extruded product was dried until its moisture content was between about 2 to 5 weight percent. However, the extruded material was not cooled. The temperature was maintained above about 71.1 1 ° C. The hot product was placed in a machine to apply a vacuum coating, and a vacuum of approximately 68.58 cm was drawn. The machine for applying a vacuum coating was a 200 liter test unit of A & J Mixing International, Oakville, ON, Canada. Beef tallow (low melting point fat), approximately 23.75%, was added to the machine to apply a vacuum coating. The vacuum was partially released to approximately 38.10 cm for approximately 20 seconds. Palm stearin, a high melting point grease, was added to the machine to apply a vacuum coating at a weight percentage of 23.75%. The remaining vacuum was released slowly for approximately 20 seconds. The product was retained for approximately 5 minutes and cooled. The fat content calculated was approximately 50%.

The feed particles were evaluated for fluidity. The feed particles were placed in a cart that was 91.44 cm by 91.44 cm by 91.44 cm with hopper inclined at 45 ° and an opening of 77.4195 cm2 at the bottom. The carts were stored in temperature controlled sites. The particles were stored at 46. 1 ° C for 4 days, and then at 1.67X for 3 days. The flow time was approximately 9 seconds, and no hammering was necessary to remove the product.

EXAMPLE 5 Laboratory fluidity tests for feed particles A 1000 ml Erlenmeyer flask was filled with approximately 800 ml of feed particles. The flask was loosely fitted with a rubber stopper and stored in an oven for 24 hours. hours at 48.89 ° C (summer feed), 37.78 ° C (spring / autumn feed) or 26.67 ° C (winter feed). The flask was then placed in the refrigerator for 4 hours. The flask was removed and inverted to pour the particles. The flask was tapped lightly with the hand, if necessary.

The feed particles flowed out of the flask in less than 20 seconds.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1 - . 1 - A livestock feed comprising extruded particles with a fat content of at least about 45 weight percent, wherein the feed particles are acceptable, digestible and provide the livestock animal with increased energy intake. 2. - The feed particles according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fat content of the particles is approximately 50 weight percent fat. 3. - The feed particles according to claim 1, further characterized in that the particles comprise a low melting point fat. 4. - The feed particles according to claim 1, further characterized in that the particles comprise a high melting point fat. 5. - The feed particles according to claim 1, further characterized in that the particles comprise two different fats, a low melting point fat inside the particles, and a high melting point fat in the outer sections of the particles. particles and the outside of the particles. 6. - The feed particles according to claim 5, further characterized in that the low melting fat is tallow of beef. 7 -. 7 - The feed particles according to claim 5, further characterized in that the high melting point fat is palm stearin. 8. - The feed particles according to claim 5, further characterized in that the low melting point fat and the high melting point fat are at a ratio of about 99: 1 to about 50:50. 9. - The feed particles according to claim 5, further characterized in that the low melting point fat and the high melting point fat are at a ratio of approximately 90: 0. 10. - The feed particles according to claim 1, further characterized in that the feed particles are for dairy cows. 1 - The feed particles according to claim 10, further characterized in that the acceptability is sufficient, so that the ingestion of dry matter by the dairy cow is at least about 22.68 kg per day. 12. - The feed particles according to claim 10, further characterized in that the feed particles provide at least about 0.68 kg of fat / day, while maintaining digestibility. 13. - The feed particles according to claim 10, further characterized in that the feed particles increase the energy intake of the cow by at least about 3 percent, compared to the feed converted to pellets without any particle of fat. 14. - The feed particles according to claim 10, further characterized in that the feed particles provide at least about 0.14 kg of fat / 0.45 kg of dry matter intake. 15. - The feed particles according to claim 1, further characterized in that the particles are fluid. 16. A method of feeding dairy cows, comprising: supplying extruded feed particles, wherein the particles comprise at least about 45% fat by weight, and wherein the particles are acceptable and digestible and provide the cattle with ingestion of increased energy. 17. - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the particles comprise approximately 50 weight percent of fat. 18 -. 18 - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the particles comprise a low fat 4 melting point inside the particles, and a high melting point grease on the outer sections of the particles and the outside of the particles. 19. - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the low melting fat is tallow of beef. 20. - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the high melting point fat is palm stearin. 21. - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the low melting point fat and the high melting point fat are at a ratio of about 99: 1 to about 50:50. 22. - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the acceptability is sufficient, so that the ingestion of dry matter by the dairy cow is at least about 22.68 kg per day. 2. 3 - . 23 - The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the feed particles provide at least about 0.68 kg / day of the low melting point fat and the high melting point fat, while maintaining digestibility.